Marineland claims inspectors found no major problems at aquarium

Niagara Falls
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The long awaited investigation of Marineland at Niagara Falls, has apparently turned up no serious problems, despite allegations of animal neglect and poor conditions by former employees.

Digital Journal first told you last week how a Toronto Star expose had uncovered sea lions, dolphins and whales living in unhealthy conditions and suffering from neglect. The case sparked an uproar among animal rights activists and prompted the Ontario Society for the Protection of Animals (OSPCA) to announce an investigation of the facility.

680 News reports that two inspectors from the OSPCA and the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) went into the park on Thursday and while no one is officially commenting, Marineland claims in a news release, that the inspectors found no major issues at the facility. They are quoted as saying, "the collection's health looked very good."

680 News says Marineland admits the inspectors did find several animals suffering from eye problems but they blame that on old age and not the quality of the water. Marineland says the inspectors say it appears the animals are receiving a high level of veterinary care. The Marineland release quotes CAZA saying, “The use of specialists in addressing these issues is commendable,” and Marineland is also “participating in an active research program investigating pinniped eye diseases.”

There has been no official comment from either of the organizations involved in the inspections, except a short email obtained by Bullet News Niagara from OSPCA communications manager Alison Cross saying,“We have finished our initial inspection however our investigation is not complete, therefore to protect the integrity of this investigation, we are not able to comment further at this time.”